Teen Charged with Attempted Murder After Poisoning Adoptive Mother's Milk with Bleach

April 25, 2025

Florida Teen Charged with Attempted Murder After Poisoning Adoptive Mother's Milk with Bleach
DELTONA, Fla. — A 17-year-old boy from Deltona is facing serious felony charges after authorities say he intentionally poisoned his adoptive mother’s milk with bleach.

According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the teenager was arrested last Saturday following a chilling incident in which his 77-year-old adoptive mother reported drinking milk that had an “intense chemical taste.” She had poured the milk from a container in her refrigerator and took a small sip before immediately realizing something was wrong.

Her other son, who was present at the time, called 911. Responding deputies examined the milk and confirmed it had a strong odor of bleach.

The teen is now charged with attempted felony murder, poisoning food or water, and aggravated abuse of an elderly person.

In body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office, deputies can be heard speaking with the victim about the incident:

Deputy: “Do you recall what happened this morning?”
Victim: “Yes, he put the Clorox in the milk.”
Deputy: “You poured it into your glass and had some — how much do you think you ingested?”
Victim: “I think I just had a little bit because I tasted it.”

The woman did not report immediate symptoms, but requested a medical evaluation as a precaution.

Investigators say the teen admitted to putting bleach in the milk, telling authorities he was upset with his adoptive mother and didn’t want to live with her anymore. He acknowledged knowing that bleach could cause harm and said he intended to make her sick.

The teen was taken into custody and transferred to a family resource center that works with at-risk and troubled youth.

The case remains under investigation, and further legal proceedings are pending. The sheriff’s office has not released the teen’s name due to his age.